Haulier Newsletter

In this issue...

Unsafe conditions

Safety Stand Down

DVSA payments

PODFather

Dash Cams

Community Engagements

Fleet safety

Unsafe condition SAFETY NEWS ON

We recently had an unsafe condition that occurred on a site at night, whereby a tipper body on a vehicle became loose from the chassis at the tailboard end whilst starting to tip. Fortunately, both the gang and the driver were quick to react and got the body down safely.

This was a Marshalls body and not the first to have experienced cracks in the body affecting the integrity of the vehicle. Both trucks have been taken out of service.

Below are photos showing the failings on the body that led to it sliding to the side whilst being raised.

These same vehicles also had some cracks in the tail end of the body (see photos below). Please can we ask you all to inspect your vehicles to make sure this does not become another stat in the future. Can we remind everyone when purchasing a second-hand vehicle that you remain vigilante on this type of issue.

SAFETY NEWS ON

Upcoming Transport Safety Stand Downs September

Throughout September, we will be conducting Transport Safety Stand Downs at plants across all regions. Please keep an eye out for communications at your site regarding the specific date and time. Your feedback—whether positive or constructive—is highly valued and will help us continue to improve the effectiveness of these sessions.

Thank you for your continued commitment to safety.

Positive Recognition Driver Graham Cox, BT Jones (Torcoed)

We’re pleased to share some excellent feedback received via the “Pass Wide and Slow” Facebook forum, which advocates for the safety of vulnerable road users, particularly horse riders.

A Tarmac employee, who is also an experienced horse rider with over 35 years of experience, was tagged in a post highlighting the exemplary conduct of one of our contracted hauliers, BT Jones, and their driver, Graham Cox. The video shared in the forum shows Graham approaching a group of horse riders with great care—slowing down significantly and giving them ample space to pass safely.

The riders were so impressed by his considerate driving that they reached out to express their sincere appreciation. As the employee noted, horse riders are often placed in dangerous situations due to impatient or inattentive motorists. Positive actions like this not only ensure safety but also build trust and goodwill on the roads.

A big thank you and well done to Graham Cox and BT Jones for representing our values so well. It’s always encouraging to receive such positive feedback.

Fundraising success

On Saturday, 28th June, one of our Transport Account Managers Mark Hanscombe took part in the 13 Bridges Challenge in London, accompanied by his son Lee and grandson Harry. Together, they successfully completed the walk and raised over £700 in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

They would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who generously sponsored and supported their efforts.

Well done to the team for their achievement and for supporting such a meaningful cause.

DVSA Payments for roadside fines

From 28 May 2025, due to the DVSA changing the company they use for payments for roadside fines, the new system will now allow for the following payments to be charged using Apple Pay and Google Pay.

• Fixed penalties for vehicle defects and other offences such as breaking the rules around drivers’ hours

• Immobilisation fees

• Court deposits.

From 18 June 2025, you will receive your prohibitions by email rather than by post, so you will need to ensure the email address you have recorded on your Operator Licence is correct. The email will include all the information usually included in the letter, this is to support in making the process quicker, efficient and more environmentally friendly.

You will still be given a physical prohibition at the roadside and receive clearance notices by post.

If you do not have an email address recorded on your Operator Licence you will continue to receive letter as usual.

Tunstead site induction - Compliance reminder

Please be reminded that, as part of the Tunstead site induction, all personnel are required to carry their induction card at all times while on site. The card must be presented upon request. This requirement is clearly stated during the induction process and is also printed on the reverse of the card, along with the following directive: “Your full cooperation and compliance with all site rules and instructions is mandatory.”

Please note that photographs of induction cards will not be accepted as a substitute. Physical cards must be shown when requested.

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining site safety and compliance.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ROAD AND CYCLE SAFETY

Bringing Tarmac energy to the Suffolk Show 2025

On 28 and 29 May, our team rolled into Trinity Park, Ipswich, ready to wow the crowds with hands-on fun, important safety information, and a splash of Tarmac magic. And wow them we did!

Our mighty tipper truck stole the show. Kids (and quite a few grown-ups) loved hopping into the cab and pretending to take the wheel. It was a rare chance to see what it’s like inside one of our big rigs and it definitely brought out some future drivers!

We didn’t stop there. Our blind spot mat and kit show and tell were a huge hit, helping families understand how to stay safe around large vehicles. It was hands-on, eye-opening, and super engaging – just the way we like it!

And of course, we kept the good vibes going with face painting, a colouring competition (with a family pass to Colchester Zoo up for grabs), and seed sticks for everyone to take home - who says safety and sustainability can’t be fun?

Sandy Scouts

Vulnerable road user engagement session (30th June)

On 30th June, the Southeast team delivered another successful Vulnerable Road User engagement session, this time with the Sandy Scout and Cub group.

Feedback from the group was overwhelmingly positive. The leaders praised Wayne Woodcock (Transport Account Manager) and haulier Martin Redman for their excellent interaction with the young participants (aged 8–11). The session was described as clear, engaging, and ageappropriate, with particular highlights including the opportunity for the Cubs to explore the truck’s cab, view the mirrors and safety screens, and learn about the vehicle’s safety features—an experience they wouldn’t normally have access to.

The group also appreciated the “goodie bags,” which added an extra touch to an already memorable visit. Both the children and the adult leaders thoroughly enjoyed the session.

A big thank you and well done to Wayne and Martin for their professionalism and commitment to promoting road safety in the community.

Haulier onsite permissible tasks

Tasks that can be carried out on site without any further permission. Appropriate PPE is to be worn

• Daily Walkaround checks

• Topping up of oils, fluids and coolants at ground level

• Truck cleaning (internal – cab)

• External truck cleaning – water and hose only at ground level

• Changing ground level bulbs.

For all other tasks, permission is required from site management, a risk assessment (and proof of competence to carry out the task where required) is to be provided by the haulier for the task and a safe working area is to be designated and provided.

Routine monitoring of the works is to be undertaken by Tarmac to ensure they remain comfortable with the way the works are being carried out. Should Site Management find any of the work being carried out in an unsafe manner then they are to stop the works and ask the haulier to address.

If a contractor is required to work on behalf of the Haulier to rectify a defect the points below must be followed:

• Haulier to notify Site Management of the issue and confirm what type of contractor will be required

• Haulier to confirm the competence of their nominated contractor that will carry out the remedial work

• Haulier to review their contractors Risk Assessment for the proposed task and confirm that it is acceptable

• Site Management to carry out a visitor induction for the haulier’s contractor and provide a designated safe working area

• Haulier to ensure that their contractor carries out the task as per the risk assessment

• Should Site Management find any of the work being carried out in an unsafe manner then they are to stop the works and ask the haulier to address.

Tarmac Site Managers should look to accommodate reasonable requests from hauliers for maintenance on site provided any site safety requirements are met.

HIGHLIGHTS Safety Reducing customer/haulage queries

To ensure accuracy of data and enable us to pay hauliers, it is essential that drivers interact with the device correctly.

All drivers MUST:

Log into PODFather at the start of every shift and out at the end of the shift

• Your username and password by default are the vehicle registration without any spaces

• Failure to log in and out daily will result in us not being able to update the application. This increases the likelihood of problems occurring which will result in downtime whilst the device is fixed and updated.

Press the start job button when you leave the plant to start the delivery.

• This will notify the customer that their load is en-route therefore pressing the button at the wrong time makes this notification inaccurate.

Press the arrived at site button when you arrive at the delivery location

• The information can be used to confirm delivery time in the event of a dispute, so it is essential that the button is pressed at the corresponding point in the delivery process

• The arrival time will also start the time on site recording, used in waiting time calculations.

Press start discharge

• This allows colleagues, customers and hauliers know that the delivery is proceeding.

Always collect the customer’s signature

• If unable to collect signature, the driver must call the office or out of hours and follow the instructions given. It is important that drivers ALWAYS take a photo in circumstances where nobody is available or refuse to sign

• This evidence can be used in the event of the customer disputing delivery.

Press finish discharge

• This is when the time on site recording finishes, used for waiting time calculations

• Note if significant delays are encountered leaving site, then query should be raised.

Press complete the job when ready to leave site

• This triggers the Proof of Delivery to be sent to the customer

• This provides colleagues with useful information and the vehicle can now progress to its next load.

HIGHLIGHTS Safety

It’s not just looking around you but looking above you too.

Obstructions and overhead cables are dangerous, remember to always STOP/THINK or STEP IN if you see someone doing something unsafe.

ENSURE height indicator displayed and ‘Maximum Height’ is known with the body in the raised position. Remember before you move off to lower your body.

Blue cones denote overhead services.

Tipping below or adjacent to overhead services or structures should be avoided where ever possible.

Look out for the signs then look up

Prescription and over counter drugs

• Nobody working on behalf of Tarmac must be at work with traces of illegal drugs in their system. Prescribed and over-the-counter medication must be taken as directed, and levels of substances identified in the sample must be ‘medically consistent’

• Talk to your doctor about whether you should drive if you’ve been prescribed

• If you are taking medication you should notify your employer and have a copy of your prescription on you at all times.

DASH CAMS

Dash cams and other vehicle cameras are a ‘must-have’ for fleets in the event of an accident, providing essential protection for drivers against false accusations, lengthy investigations, and spurious insurance claims.

Whether it’s a fatal incident requiring rapid scene analysis, a collision where liability is disputed, or a driver falsely accused of wrongdoing, dash cam footage and associated telematics data are increasingly vital to provide the context needed to resolve investigations.

That was just one of the key takeaways to emerge from a recent Samsara User Group (SUG) meeting held in London, which detailed how instant access to video means drivers are being cleared faster while operators avoid months of unnecessary legal and operational disruption.

How dash cams are helping drivers avoid wrongful blame

One of the speakers – Sergeant Robert Beckers from the Metropolitan Police’s Commercial Vehicle Unit –offered straight-talking advice about what happens when a serious road incident occurs.

He explained that fleet drivers are often treated as potential suspects at the scene, not out of bias, but to ensure their legal rights are preserved. In such high-stress moments, he explained, having quick access to dash cam footage can prevent wrongful arrest, avoid vehicles being seized, and shorten the investigative process significantly.

He cited one tragic case where a pedestrian deliberately stepped into the path of a 32-tonne HGV. Within 45 minutes, the driver was exonerated, with both internal and external camera footage showing the lorry driver had performed multiple mirror checks and acted entirely appropriately.

“What more could that driver have done?” he asked the 80-strong audience. “Absolutely nothing.”

The footage enabled police to close the case quickly, protecting the driver from unnecessary trauma and the operator from costly delays.

Cameras in action: Lessons from Recovery Company

It was a point echoed by Tracy from Recovery Company, who offered a different perspective on how dash cams are transforming the way incidents are managed.

She shared an example in which an oncoming car veered across the centre line and collided with one of her trucks. The footage showed that the recovery driver was on the correct side of the road, driving within the speed limit, and undistracted.

Without that evidence, the driver might have faced a prolonged investigation, and the vehicle could have been seized for mechanical inspection. Instead, the video exonerated the driver on the spot.

“It allowed us to show the police exactly what happened,” said Leese. “That saved time, reduced disruption, and most importantly, gave our driver immediate reassurance. It’s not just about protecting the company or our drivers – this helps the police, too,” she said.

No Surprise Rule

• All safety incidents

• Accidents

• Near Hits Must be notified to Tarmac as soon as it is safe to do so. However big the incident is, even if not working on our behalf that particular shift.

Driver Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

It is important when working with Tarmac that you follow any PPE rules for the site.

We have a high number of issues for PPE not being worn on Tarmac and customer sites.

• Boots not laced up

• Wrong type of boots

• Not wearing gloves

• Not wearing safety glasses/goggles

• PPE not fit for purpose due to excessive dirt.

Items to be worn on all Tarmac and cutomer sites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDBcYSXpOkk

Items to be carried and available. Must be warn when specified by site or area.

Hi-Vis trousers

Safety gloves

Safety hat with chin strap

Lone working device may be given to use on some sites

Ear defenders

Hi-Vis jacket or long sleeve vest (must be fastened at all times)

Lace up ankle safety boots

Head torch

ENHANCING FLEET SAFETY: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF TRUCK DOOR WINDOWS

REVERSE SMART AUTO BRAKING SYSTEM. SAVES LIVES!

Whether navigating London’s busy streets, operating on construction sites, or driving on motorways, Truck Door Windows are a vital addition to any HGV fleet. These specialised windows address one of the most persistent challenges facing fleet operators: limited visibility around the vehicle.

Enhanced Driver Safety

Reverse Smart is a Radar Auto Braking system which at its core, uses radar auto braking technology to detect objects within its configurable danger zone. If the system detects a vulnerable road user or bollard it will promptly alerts the driver and, if required, will also stop the vehicle by engaging the service brake to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.

Truck Door Windows significantly improve nearside visibility, dramatically reducing dangerous blind spots that pose risks to vulnerable road users including cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. With Direct Vision Standards increasingly important in urban areas, these windows support compliance whilst protecting lives and safeguarding business reputation.

A specific, feature is that the auto braking system will bring the vehicle to a reliable stop, as opposed to just applying the park brake, which could adversely impact the gearbox.

Professional-Grade Quality

A specific, feature is that the auto braking system will bring the vehicle to a reliable stop, as opposed to just applying the park brake, which could adversely impact the gearbox.

HOW IT WORKS

SM UK’s Truck Door Windows are engineered to meet the highest industry standards. Type-Approved Glass certification (Ell 43R.000206) ensures installations meet rigorous safety and quality requirements.

HOW IT WORKS

The Autobrake is pulsed to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop rather than a sudden jolt. This reduces any damage to the drive train or gearbox, which means that there is no warranty issues.

dirt ingress, reducing maintenance requirements and ensuring consistent visibility in all weather conditions

Investment Protection

Comprehensive 12-month warranty protection provides additional peace of mind for fleet operators, whilst also protecting the operator’s investment. This reliability is essential for businesses that depend on their vehicles for daily operations.

Operational Benefits

Beyond immediate safety advantages, Truck Door Windows deliver tangible operational benefits. Improved visibility reduces driver stress and fatigue, leading to better decision-making and enhanced performance. Drivers can position vehicles more accurately, reducing time required for parking and loading operations, which translates to better customer service and increased productivity.

30 years’ experience in auto-braking on HGV’s, with our TMA impact AIB mandated on every Truck mounted crash cushion vehicle in the UK & Ireland.

We colour code the window trim to match the door and importantly, the passenger window remains operable with our installations, whilst also maintaining structural integrity.

We write the software which means we can tailor every installation to suit the vehicle application and the customer’s specific requirements.

Durability and Low Maintenance

We write the software which means we can tailor every installation to suit the vehicle application and the customer’s specific requirements.

Reverse Smart is VCA approved and we as a designer/ manufacturer are VCA audited to ensure conformity of production.

The lightweight design incorporates advanced bonding techniques that deliver exceptional strength. The seamless finish prevents condensation build-up and

Reverse Smart is VCA approved and we as a designer/ manufacturer are VCA audited to ensure conformity of production.

As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, Truck Door Windows represent a forward-thinking investment in fleet safety and compliance. For fleet operators committed to protecting their drivers, the public, and their business interests, these visibility enhancements are an essential component of modern HGV safety systems.

Our system uses a specially designed 77Ghz radar to optimise performance and to ensure complies with Road use leglislation.

See our operable Truck Door Windows in action here